A gallery featuring images from a Singapore exhibition in Moscow, a blog about Russian travelers’ impressions of the Philippines, and an article about special economic zone status for the Kuril Islands were among the highlights of the week on asia.rbth.com.

There comes a time for any developing nation when graft stops facilitating modernization, and makes its leaders look plain illegitimate. Malaysians want good governance, and are educated enough to see when the economy is mismanaged and when the state is just not doing its job.

The chain of islands off Russia’s Pacific coast may get a special status titled 'territory of accelerated development' (TAD). Companies that operate in a TAD pay reduced customs duties and are entitled to a preferential income tax and value added tax regime.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, Moscow’s Fallen Monument Park is hosting a photo exhibition titled ‘Singapore. The Crossroads of Asia.’ All the photos were taken by Sergei Kovalchuk.